WHAT IS MISSING

Isaiah 49:1-6; Ps 71 I will sing of your salvation  John 13:21-33,36-38

We continue our journey through holy week as we move toward Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil.    We take a peak this morning at the unfolding events surrounding the crucifixion.

The church invites us to go into the upper room and sit with Jesus and his disciples as they share a meal.  THey are all "reclining" at table as John's gospel relates back to us.

Reclining at table, Jesus is deeply troubled.
Then we hear why?  "I say to you, one of you will betray me."

Quickly questions arise in the hearts and minds of the disciples.

Then we see Judas rise from the table after he had received the morsel and John gives is this sentiment, "After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him."

How could someone so close to Jesus be so far away?  It should give is all a moments pause to investigate and do a little introspection.  Are we as close as we think? We too who have journeyed with Christ in our own life can also be susceptible to temptation.

Then we hear about Peter and his bold proclamation of laying down his life.  We too are proud in our own estimation.  Yet, Jesus points to Peter and declares, "not before the cock crows will you deny me three times."

What then.

If you notice we read from john chapter 13 verses 21-33 and verse 36-38.

What is missing is truly the missing link verse 34-35.  Here is Jesus words, "I give you a new commandment: love one another.  As I loved you, so you also should love one another.  this is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

There it is so simple and and clear.

What should we focus on more than those few words.

Pope Benedict once remarked that what makes men men is their ability to no longer ask "can" I do it bit  "should " I do it.  Here we understand who we are. Jesus invites by saying you also should love.

This is how we stay close to Jesus this week.  We seek the 'shoulds" of our life, and thus we fill what is missing and discover God's closeness every step of the way.

As we journey this week to calvary with Jesus and we see that he does what he should, may we do likewise.